Sacramento Media Discuss Industry Trends, Give Tips for PR Pros

Business Wire Sacramento hosted a panel discussion last week with four distinguished Sacramento area journalists who discussed methods of reporting technology, business and real estate stories in the region and on a national level.

The panelists discussed some of the trends in their industries, including:

Mr. Barr says CPR has recently been doing “incidental business coverage,” as the economy and housing are of major importance to their listeners. CPR is interested in how individuals are being affected by the economy.

Mr. Veen notes that, despite being a monthly publication, Government Technology is constantly looking for stories to print online as a complement to their print edition. Because of these online opportunities, they are becoming more diversified. They are interested in how city, county or state agencies are trying to run more efficiently to better serve their constituents. They are also interested in where stimulus money is being spent.

Ms. Turner says the SBJ is interested in topics like how companies are cutting costs and how business is changing with the aging population.

When asked “How can PR professionals make your job easier?,” some of the responses included:

Ask “Is this really news worthy?” Distinguish between internal news that your company would find of interest versus general news that appeals to a greater audience.

Put reporters in direct touch with someone at the company.

Video! Panelists all agreed that video can really enhance a story.

Finding the human angle, particularly how one person is being affected by something.

All the panelists noted that they usually need at least two people to verify a tip. They prefer pitches via email, versus fax or phone, and they are all also on Twitter Facebook and write active blogs for their outlets.

Local Business Wire offices host several events each year on PR, IR and media topics. Check out the Business Wire Events page to find upcoming events in your area.